CHILD WELFARE MANUAL

210.491 Investigation

Investigation of certain facilities by the division, when — injunctive relief, when. — 1.  The director of the division, or the director’s authorized representative, shall have the right to enter the premises of an applicant for or holder of a license at reasonable hours to determine compliance with the applicable provisions of sections 210.481 to 210.536 and rules promulgated pursuant thereto, and for investigative purposes involving complaints regarding the operation of a foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency.

  2.  Whenever the division is advised or has reason to believe that any person is operating a foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency subject to licensure under sections 210.481 to 210.536 without a license or provisional license, the division shall make an investigation to ascertain the facts.  If the division finds that the foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency is being operated without a license or provisional license, it may seek injunctive relief against the foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency.  If a foster home, residential care facility or child placing agency violates the provisions of sections 210.481 to 210.536, the prosecuting attorney of the county where the foster home, residential care facility or child placing agency is located, or the division, may seek injunctive relief.  Such injunctive relief may include:

  (1)  Removing the children from the foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency;

  (2)  Overseeing the operation of the foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency; or

  (3)  Closing the foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency.

  3.  The order provided for in subsection 2 of this section shall remain in force until such a time as the court determines that the foster home, residential care facility, or child placing agency is in substantial compliance.

(L. 1982 H.B. 1171, et al., A.L. 1997 H.B. 343)

CROSS REFERENCE:

Application of law to adoption petitions filed on or after August 28, 1997, 453.012